Editor,
I admit it...I'm an optimist. I'm hopeful that the community of Squamish will finally take pride in our collective successes rather than pleasure in our individual failures.
Our community has become a fantastically diverse population, and one that on occasion has had a discordant energy. And although I see a more synergistic vision emerging within our community today compared to a few years ago, there are still dissonant elements bent on whining instead of being a participant in the future.
When the concept of the Squamish Adventure Centre first came onto the community's radar a few years ago, I perhaps naively thought that we finally had something we could all be proud of. I'm still convinced a vast majority of us are excited about this landmark building and its profound potential in fostering civic pride and providing the missing link that will enable and facilitate a variety of opportunities. But there are still some naysayers who deny any community benefit, and who refuse to allow themselves to see the possibilities.
The boon this building will provide to our community's nascent tourism industry is undeniable: even the most jaded cynic wouldn't likely contest that prospective. But I see this building as much more than an opportunity to enhance our promise as a tourism destination; it will also undoubtedly strengthen and bolster our retail, accommodation, outdoor recreation, and cultural tourism industries, and perhaps allow us to further develop value added wood products.
This building is a bold statement that Squamish has arrived, that we are a significant player, an active participant and a forward-thinking leader in the Sea to Sky Corridor. It showcases the potential of value-added wood products; all the impressive timbers in the building were harvested from the region, engineered by a local timber frame company and erected by our skilled construction labour force. It will further complement our budding prominence as an "educational town" as the Sea to Sky University develops, Capilano College expands, the BC Centre for Tourism Leadership and Innovation proceeds and both the West Coast Railway Heritage Park and BC Museum of Mining evolve as significant cultural, educational and tourist facilities in the province.
This will be a building that teaches visitors and locals alike about our diverse surroundings, its dramatic natural and human history and unique west coast environment, and could become a catalyst for a variety of value added "educational" experiences throughout the community like interpretive trails, environmental education and communicating properly the region's forest industry practices for everyone who lives, works and plays in the area.
Did this building cost a lot of money? No question. Is it money well spent...absolutely! When all is said and done, this endeavour will likely have cost the District of Squamish about $2-$2.5 million. Both the Provincial and Federal governments also have invested $900,000 each. When the building is complete, it will probably have a real estate value far and above the $4 million the governments of Canada, British Columbia and Squamish have spent. Anyone who can do simple math realizes this is a good investment. Those people with a long-term, inclusive vision for this community, understand this investment to be priceless.The Chamber of Commerce is excited and proud to be one of many partners in this new and forward-thinking endeavour. In providing visitor information, and activity and accommodation booking services at the new adventure centre we realize the responsibility we have to the local business community as well as the trust placed in us by the people of Squamish. Foremost in our minds is our important task and commitment in helping develop the best visitor information centre experience in British Columbia, bar none.
It's about time Squamish set its standards high. We all deserve it...logger, recreationist, senior, youth, entrepreneur, business owner, construction worker, grandmother, Squamish Nation dancer, toddler, naysayer, optimist....
Patricia Heintzman
President, Squamish Chamber of Commerce
Special Olympians overlooked
Editor,
It is with great disappointment that after reading Friday, July 29th's edition of The Chief that there was no mention of our local Squamish Special Olympics team and their competition the weekend before in Surrey. They are a part of our community too and deserve the same amount of recognition and acknowledgement if not more than current sports covered.
The weekend of July 23-24, 2005 proved to be nothing less than spectacular for our local group of Special Olympians lead by their coach, Deanna Byers. They broke records and their region placed first overall in the province of British Columbia for the bowling event. It was great to hear a quick news brief regarding our Olympians on the local radio station Mountain FM, however, why did The Chief not pick up the story as well?
In my opinion it is not too late for one of your reporters to take a picture or two and do a well-deserved write up of these athletes' accomplishments and inform the community of Squamish that we have another group of individuals we can take pride in and even hold some bragging rights. Please allow the Squamish Special Olympics to be a part of our community newspaper. Thank you very much!
Michael Enders
Squamish
Big cheers for Norm Foote
Editor,
Accolades must go to Norman Foote and all his volunteers for yet another two successful musical events in Squamish this last weekend.
The concert at the Eagle Eye Theatre on July 28 was delightful with both professional and non-professional female singers entertaining a capacity crowd. All thanks to Norm for putting this together.
Again on Friday (July 29th) total organization by Norm, which brought forth all the local talent and budding artists of Squamish. (I did not ask to perform but it was fun not to have been forgotten!).
Norm, who grew up in Squamish and whose musical talents manifested themselves when he was a teenager (practicing on my piano by crawling through my pet door!) has given so much back to his roots by promoting the arts and local talent in Squamish. We should be grateful for his continued support, encouragement and enthusiasm.
Thanks Norm from an ancient promoter of the arts in my hometown.
Doreen Ramus
Garibaldi Highlands
Thank yous from Dentville
Editor,
The Dentville neighbourhood recently held an annual "Dentville Day" and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people and businesses who contributed to this successful event.
First, I would like to thank the main movers and shakers who made the festival possible. These are Vivianne and Victor, Lynn and Simon, Loletta and Greg, and Patrick.
Many people played critical supporting roles: Michelle, Ron, Siew, Tammy, Colleen, Mary Lou, and Helen. Kelly and John, as usual, allowed us to use their large, lovely yard.
Businesses or institutions which made contributions are Starbucks, White Spot, IGA, McDonalds, Little Caesar's. Dairy Queen, Quizno's Subs, SORCA, Hilltop House, and Steamkeepers. And finally, I wish to thank the multicultural blend of residents who attended the festival and brought a variety of tasty treats for us all to enjoy.
As the old cliché goes, "A good time was had by all!"
Judith Vetsch
Dentville
